Superconducting magnet split cryostat interconnect assembly

Abstract

A multi purpose interconnect assembly between upper and lower helium vessels in a recondensing superconducting magnet to provide isothermal connections to extend the ride-through period, and to provide for helium liquid and gas passage, electrical interconnections, and to accommodate differential thermal contraction and expansion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONThis invention relates to a split cryostat superconducting magnet, and more particularly to the interconnect assembly between the magnets.As is well known, a superconducting magnet can be made superconducting by placing it in an extremely cold environment, such as by enclosing it in a cryostat or pressure vessel containing liquid helium or other cryogen. The extreme cold ensures that the magnet coils can be made superconducting, such that when a power source is initially connected to the coil (for a relatively short period) current continues to flow through the coils even after power is removed due to the absence of resistance, thereby maintaining a strong magnetic field. Superconducting magnets find wide application in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (hereinafter MRI).Another problem encountered by conventional and early MRI equipments is that they utilize solenoidal magnets enclosed in cylindrical structures with a central bore opening for patient ac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

In accordance with one form of the invention, an open recondensing architecture superconducting magnet includes an upper and lower separated cryogen vessel each including superconducting magnet coils and liquid cryogen, and separated by an interconnect assembly. The magnet is isothermalized by a layer of highly thermally conductive aluminum around the cryogen vessels and through the interconnect assembly providing a low thermal resistivity, high thermally conductive path between the cryogen vessels to conduct heat away from the cryogen vessel of higher temperature to the cryogen vessel of lower temperature. A flexible thermal joint is provided within the interconnect assembly. The isothermal members extend the ride-through period of magnet superconducting operation in the event of recondensing or other failure which results in an increase in temperature in the magnet.

The high purity aluminum tube in the interconnect includes a flexible joint which in combination with a bellows on the outer stainless steel tube accommodates thermal contraction and expansion. Helium gas boiloff from the lower helium vessel is vented to the interior of the interconnect assembly for transfer to the helium gas recondenser, and a phenolic board axially extending through the interior of the interconnect assembly provides added strength to the structure and an insulated support for the superconducting wires interconnecting magnet coils of the two vessels.

Problems solved by technology

The isothermal members extend the ride-through period of magnet superconducting operation in the event of recondensing or other failure which results in an increase in temperature in the magnet.

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